The crowd of 8,764 that believed they received a gift inside Bramlage Coliseum - Bill Walker wrapped in purple and white - during Kansas State's 82-54 thumping of Kennesaw State on Sunday afternoon might want to stash some money aside for down the road. If Walker, who scored 15 points in his debut, gets his wish, Christmas could come in March.

During a timeout with 11:43 left in the game, the arena video boards showed a series of interviews. Each player was asked what he wanted to Christmas. Several players wanted to see relatives. One player wanted a digital camera. Another wanted a car.

Walker was the final player interviewed. He asked for something different.

"What I want for Christmas," he said, "is a national championship."

Loud ovation? Better believe it.

Big-picture thinker? That, too.

"That's what I strive for," Walker shrugged afterward. "I want to be a winner. Why not go for the whole thing?"